Top 10 Wu-Tang Clan Songs

Produced by RZA, this was ODB’s second solo single and it proved to be one of his best. Proclaiming “Oh baby I like it raw,” he certainly lived up to his name. But his delivery sounded as though he was on the edge of snapping and revealed a voice that shook with each note. In addition, the broken sound of the piano gives “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” a somewhat playful yet sinister beat, which is quite unique for the Wu-Tang.

Off their critically acclaimed second album, this single makes sure listeners know that the Wu-Tang is forever, despite the members’ successful solo careers. GZA sets the stage with the perfect intro letting everyone know they can’t be stopped. He’s then followed by ODB, RZA, and Method Man, who rap about their takeover of the hip-hop industry over a heavy, violin-driven beat.

Inspired by Eddie Murphy’s “Ice Cream Man,” Raekwon crafted this hip-hop number as a love song for his solo debut. In the song, he spits about all the different women he’s attracted to and likens them to ice cream flavors – with French vanilla, butter pecan, chocolate deluxe, and caramel sundaes making up the Method Man-led chorus. With Ghostface Killah in the first verse, “Ice Cream” also marks Cappadonna’s official debut with the Clan on verse number three.

On this track off Wu-Tang Forever, Raekwon drops right into calling out those who want to live a gangsta’s life but can’t back it up. Method Man ups the song’s ante by reminiscing about his days on the street. He also spouts the hard truth that “cash rules, still don’t nuttin’ move but the money” right before Ghostface Killah closes things up.

This may be GZA’s song but it’s the guest spot by Method Man that puts it over the top. In this anthem where the pair “pledge allegiance to the hip-hop,” they put their need to rhyme above all else. Method Man gets dirty with it, proclaiming that his words are weapons that he fires off like, “semi-automatic slurs.” But it’s his throwback line, “things are getting good looking better now,” that pays homage to what the group has already accomplished.

On this track from Enter the Wu-Tang, there’s no holding back: each member tries to outdo the others with their rhymes and skills. It’s precisely projects like this that demonstrate how special Wu-Tang is: only they can forgo conventional song structures, do whatever they feel like and still make it work. Set to one of RZA’s nasty beats, “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” also features references ranging from the Emancipation Proclamation to swordfights and somehow it all makes sense.

This song was the perfect introduction to the rap prowess of Method Man, who later became the crew’s first breakout star. Though his lyrics run all over the place, his rhymes maintain a perfect balance between ridiculous and real. By running with the beat, Method Man shows he knows exactly how to make listeners feel like they’re being “lifted” by his words alone.

While a rap track with only two verses doesn’t sound like it’d be that strong, this Wu-Tang song showed why that simplicity is sometimes the best. With a killer chorus proclaiming “cash rules everything around me,” the Enter the Wu-Tang single has Raekwon and Inspectah Deck spitting out the verses and exchanging stories about growing up in the hood. Method Man completes the picture by taking over the chorus and giving the song the perfect outro.

Featuring all of the Clan’s official members, plus their tenth and unofficial member Cappadona, “Triumph” proves why Wu-Tang is one of the best rap groups around. With no time for a chorus, this hip-hop track has each member taking the opportunity to try to outshine the others. Though many critics have singled out Inspectah Deck, we’re not picking faves – because as whole, it’s undoubtedly one of their finest.

- “Got Your Money” Nigga Please (1999) by Ol’ Dirty Bastard feat. Kelis
- “Bring Da Ruckus” Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) by Wu-Tang Clan
- “Can It Be All So Simple” Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) by Wu-Tang Clan
- “Verbal Intercourse” Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995 ) by Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah and Nas
- “Shame on a Nigga” Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) by Wu-Tang Clan
- “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need to Get By” Tical (1994), Method Man feat. Mary J. Blige

With their very first single, Wu-Tang set out to dominate the rap game and this song does just that. “Protect Ya Neck”’s beat creeps all over the place, while the screech in the background hits at just the right spots. The song’s almost abrupt end gives way to the chaos that the group always brings, making it classic Wu-Tang and our number one pick.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Wu-Tang song? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.